You can use this application form to make a claim for a Welfare Support award
If you live in Torbay and you need help with the costs of setting up home after being homeless, you may be entitled to some help.
We can help with:
Rent in Advance and/or Deposits (paid direct to landlords)
Essential items to set up home- Good quality second-hand furniture and new cookers, fridge-freezers and washing machines (restrictions apply). We cannot supply replacement goods.
In an emergency or crisis, we may also be able to help with:
Essential monthly expenditure, which cannot be deferred
Boiler repair
Essential prescriptions (if you are not exempt: NHS - Check if you can get free prescriptions
Other immediate support necessary for the fundamental wellbeing of the applicant and family
Signposting to essential advice and support services
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs)
The Council has a limited amount of money that can be used to help residents in receipt of Universal Credit (Housing element) or Housing Benefit whose housing costs are not being met in full. DHPs are not part of the benefits legislation. All awards are made at the Council's discretion. To be eligible you will need to show that your circumstances are exceptional.
Awards are normally for a period of between 3 to 6 months and cannot be relied upon to solve long term shortfalls in benefit. We can also sometimes help with rent arrears. The form can also be used to apply for discretionary reductions of Council Tax. You can download a form from our Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and Council Tax Discretionary awards page.
Start a new application
In order to complete your appliation you will need:
Your National Insurance number
If you have a partner, their National Insurance number
Recent bank statements
Click on the start button to begin your application
Continue with a saved form
Choose this option to continue filling out a saved application